CLEOBURY Mortimer kept pace with a congested Marches League Division Two pack with a four-wicket win over back-markers Presteigne.

Having put their visitors in to bat, Cleobury quickly got to work with Sam Evans (4-22), Oliver Rowland (3-29) and Kieran Hall (2-17) doing the business within 28 overs.

Nick Bartholomew (22) and Greg Chilman (17) were among Presteigne’s top scorers but could not inspire any more than a tricky score of 93 all out.

Cleobury captain Ed Kemp (21) made inroads but the rest of the top five were seen off by Ed Pitt (3-31) and Gary Rhodes (2-25) to set the nerves jangling.

However, up stepped Dave Leach to fire off seven fours and a six in an unbeaten knock of 39 that ultimately settled the contest.

Cleobury ended on 94 for six from 16.1 overs and sit third in the table, a point off second spot but just two ahead of sixth-placed Ross on Wye. Next up is a trip to Luctonians II on Saturday (1pm).